In 2014, more than sixty million vehicles were recalled in the United States, and vehicle recalls are continuing at a fast clip here in 2015. With so many vehicles being recalled, not everyone who owns a recalled vehicle gets a prompt notification, and that can mean real danger. Last year, one Florida woman died when the airbag in her 2001 Honda Accord exploded, and the recall notice arrived in her mailbox the next week. If you or someone you love is injured because your vehicle – or a part in your vehicle – was defective and caused the injury, you may have grounds to file a product liability claim with the help of an experienced Pasadena product liability lawyer.

Vehicle recalls don’t happen quickly or efficiently. It takes a considerable number of complaints about a certain make and model before an investigation even begins. In some cases, dozens of people may suffer injuries or fatalities before a recall is announced. After receiving complaints, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) will investigate to determine if a recall is necessary. Vehicle owners are supposed to be notified about recalls by the manufacturer through certified mail. However, with millions of recall notices going out, mistakes get made, and especially if you have moved since purchasing your vehicle, you may not even receive a notice, or you may receive it weeks late. Dealerships will fix or replace the defective part at no cost to you, but you might want to consider towing your vehicle to the dealer rather than driving it; if your vehicle has been recalled, it is not safe to drive.

Since recall notifications are hit-and-miss, a smart driver will stay aware of vehicle recalls and occasionally check with the NHTSA website or with Safercar.gov. Many local television stations, radio stations, and newspapers also list current vehicle recalls on their websites. If you are injured now or in the future in southern California because of an accident involving any defective auto part, take your case immediately to an experienced Pasadena product liability lawyer.

Thon Beck Vanni Callahan & Powell strive to give back to our community and produce positive results for our clients. Our office is located in the heart of Pasadena, we offer free consultations and can't wait to help you!